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Top tips for UK travel on a budget

Wednesday 24 April 2013

If you’re visiting the UK this summer you’ve got lots to look forward to – late evening strolls beside the River Thames in London, ice-creams on sunny afternoons in Edinburgh’s Prince's Street Gardens and walks in the sunshine around York’s medieval walls. Something you can also look forward to is saving money in each of these destinations and more, as Hostelworld.com have put together a list of budget tips for ten of the UK’s top cities.

1. London – Enjoy a free walking tour Departing from Wellington Arch every day at 11am and 1pm, Sandeman’s ‘Free Tour of London’ is a three-hour tour that doesn’t cost a thing and takes in sights such as as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and more. What’s the catch I hear you ask? The thing is, there is none! At the end of the tour you simply tip the guide as much as you think he or she deserves.

2. Manchester – Go for a walk in the park Heaton Park is the biggest expanse of green you'll find in Manchester and it's packed full of things to see and do. You can meet the furry creatures at the animal centre, check out the demonstration hive operated by Manchester Beekeepers or simply relax on the grass with a picnic.

3. Glasgow – Soak up some culture If you’re a fan of modern art then you’re in for a treat when you visit Glasgow – the city’s Gallery of Modern Art is free to enter. Housing interesting and thought-provoking exhibits, it is renowned for works by national and international artists.

4. Edinburgh – Enjoy cheaper food…just for being a budget traveller The owners of The Castle Arms on Johnston Terrace, a pub just a stone's throw from Edinburgh's top attraction, must have been backpackers in a previous life...to help those travelling on a budget they have been kind enough to offer backpackers a 'traveller's menu', where main courses that would normally cost £8.50 cost a more reasonable £6.50. The portions aren't as big, but it's still great value. Show your hostel key to avail.

5. Belfast – Visit Belfast Castle Hop on any Antrim Road bus from the City Hall and it will bring you to Belfast Castle. The castle is set in spectacular grounds, 400 metres above sea level, with great views overlooking Belfast Lough. The visitor centre on the 2nd floor is free to all and it details the history of the castle and the surrounding area.

6. Liverpool – Walk down one of the world’s most famous lanes Made famous by the Beatles song of the same name, Penny Lane is a street you'll find a mere ten minutes from the city centre. Wander along 'beneath blue suburban skies' and see if you can spot the 'barber showing photographs'. A must for all Beatles fans, it's an interesting place to visit for anyone visiting Liverpool.

7. Bath – Admire the architecture Striking architecture is a hallmark in Bath, and two of the most stunning examples of its breathtaking Georgian architecture can be found in the Royal Crescent and the Circus. The Circus was designed by John Wood the Elder, while the Royal Crescent, which is comprised of 30 houses, was designed by John Wood the Younger. Both locations are spectacular illustrations of this architectural style.

8. Cardiff – Visit the local visitor’s centre Worth a visit for no other reason than to admire the building, the Welsh capital’s Cardiff Bay Visitors Centre is also known as ‘The Tube’ due to its modern design and is free to enter. It’s located on the city’s Harbour Drive and offers a fascinating journey through the city’s maritime history and regeneration, providing panoramic views across the bay.

9. York – Walk England’s best medieval walls London has the one of the world’s most famous ‘observation wheels’, Edinburgh has one of the world’s best-preserved city castles, while York has the city walls – the best, and most complete medieval city walls available in England today. Circling the city centre, a walk along them offers fantastic views over the picturesque River Ouse and the city itself. Also known as ‘The Bar Walls’, the original gates to these walls can still be seen and are in excellent condition.

10. Newcastle – Enjoy free comedy If you’re a fan of standup comedy then you’re going to live this final tip. The Stand Comedy Club, which also has clubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow, offers free gigs every now and then. To avail of them you need to sign up to their mailing list, and you can do that here. Then just keep an eye on your inbox to find out about free gigs prior to your visit to the home of the ‘Geordies’ (Newcastle natives). This is a guest post from Hostelworld